Conservative Policies Under Reagan And Bush - 33.2

Terms in this set (23)

The economic policies of President Ronald Reagan, which were focused on budget cuts and the granting of large tax cuts in order to increase private investment

Supply-side economics

theory that stated if people paid fewer taxes, they would save more money; Reaganomics relied on this theory
The idea that a reduction of tax rates will lead to increases in jobs, savings, and investments, and therefore to an increase in government revenue

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

the system that Reagan asked the country's scientists to design and develop that would keep Americans safe from enemy missiles; also known as "Star Wars"; defense department estimated system would cost trillions of dollars

Sandra Day O'Connor

the first woman to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court; appointed by Reagan

the cutting back of federal regulation of industry; one way Reagan reduced size and power of federal government; removed price controls on oil, eliminated health and safety inspections of nursing homes, allowed airlines to abandon unprofitable routes, and reduced regulations on savings and loan industry

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

established in 1970 to fight pollution and conserve natural resources; Reagan cut budget of this agency allowing the selling of millions of acres of public lands to private developers (at bargain prices), opening the continental shelf to oil and gas drilling (ignoring concerns from environmentalists), encouraging timber cutting in national forests, and easing restrictions on coal mining

Geraldine Ferraro

became first woman on a major party's presidential ticket; Democrat V.P. running mate with Walter Mondale

the vice president for Reagan;
became the 41st president;
promised NO NEW TAXES
RAN NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN said he wanted a "kinder, gentler nation", but campaign featured many 'attack ads' aimed at opponents

William Rehnquist

most conservative chief justice,
New chief justice; the Supreme Court scaled back on affirmative action in hiring + promotions and limited Roe v. Wade

Michael Dukakis

He was Democratic Governor of Massachusetts and Ran AGAINST Bush for presidency in 1988

Clarence Thomas

This man was an African American jurist, and a strict critic of affirmative action. He was nominated by George H. W. Bush to be on the Supreme Court in 1991, and shortly after was accused of sexual harassment by Anita Hill. Hearings were reopened, and he became the second African American to hold a seat in the Supreme Court.

Law Professor, former associate of Clarence Thomas, who accused him of sexual harassment in Senate Judiciary Committee hearings.

The lifting of government rules & restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities; major goal of Republicans

What two things did Reagan work to do?

1. Reduce the size of federal government
2. Reduce influence of federal government

Reagan's Strategy & Programs

His strategy for downsizing the federal government by deep cuts in GOV spending on social programs. He created the SDI (strategic defense intiative) STAR WARS

Tax cuts helped whom?

Tax cuts helped bankers so that they could loan $ to business, businesses then increased spending and hires more people and puts more money into economy - helps everyone

Tax cuts hurt whom?

Tax cuts hurt welfare programs, poor

What was result in Reagan increasing military spending?

Creation of START WARS (SDI)

Reagan asked scientists to develop what in 1983?

"Star Wars", a plan for defense against the Soviet Union unveiled by President Reagan in 1983. The Strategic Defense Initiative would create a global umbrella in space, using computers to scan the skies and high-tech devices to destroy invading missiles.

Recession & Recovery

*From July 1981 to November 1982
*Most severe recession since Great Depression
*Economic upturn began when consumers (public) went on spending spree
Consumers spent more money as a result of tax cuts, lower interest rates and lower inflation

Reagan & Bush appointments to Supreme Court ended what?

They ended the liberal control of court that had begun under Franklin Roosevelt

Why were Supreme Court Appointments important?

B/C the Supreme Court was RE-Visiting constitutional issues such as Discrimination, Abortion & Affirmative Action

in 1988 - the majority of Americans were.....

Economically comfortable, which they attributed to Reagan & Bush

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